Sunday, 31 January 2010

Making a Needle Case

Surely I am not the only person who used to keep needles in their original wrapper, which was fine to begin with. However, the needles begin to fall out and losing them was not a good idea, especially when I trod on one! So when I came across a tutorial from Sewing Republic about how to make a needle case I had to give it a go.

Materials Required

26cm x 14cm Craft Cotton Fabric

26cm x 14cm Poly-Cotton Fabric

1 Square of Craft Felt

26cmx14cm Interfacing (Iron-on)

65cm Bias Tape

Eye & Hook Stick On (Velcro)

Pressing Cloth

Scissors/ Thread Cutters

Chalk

Tape Measure

Pins

Ruler

Sewing Machine

Time: 1 1/2hrs approx

Techniques: Interfacing, bias tape, top-stitching, straight-stitching

5 Steps to Making a Needle Case

Step 1 - Cutting

Measure the fabric and interfacing to the desired length and cut, remember to include seam allowance. The felt strips measured 2cm x 14cm and I cut 4 strips. I used a long piece for the bias tape measuring 65cm.

Step 2 – Attaching the Interfacing

There are 2 varieties of interfacing, iron-on and sew-on. I decided to use the iron-on version for this project. Feel for the rough side of the interfacing (this side contains the glue) and lay this over the wrong side of the fabric which will be used for the outside of the needle case.

When in position use a pressing cloth and press all over the fabric to seal the interfacing to the fabric. Do this for about 30 seconds or until it is attached. Leave the fabric on one side to cool.

Step 3 -Assembling the inside

Line up the felt pieces and Velcro strips onto the lining of the needle case and once happy with the position pin in place.

Use a straight stitch on the sewing machine and sew all around the strips. Remember to go backwards at the beginning and end of sewing, this will lock the stitches in place and stop them coming apart later. If you have stick on Velcro unpeel the backing and stick in place. Remember to leave about 1” for seam allowance at the short side. If you have the sew on version, sew in place as you did for the felt strips. Lay the inside of the case on top of the cover. Now you should see your needle case taking form.

Step 4 – Attaching the Bias Tape

Open out one side of the bias tape and place it against the raw edge of one of the sides. Do this until all the sides are complete and pin as you go.

Sew along the crease with a straight stitch. Tip: If you need to go around a corner, lift up the pressure foot and turn the fabric, put the foot down again and continue sewing.

Fold over the bias tape, this will also turn your raw edge with it.

Use the iron to press the bias tape making a fold and continue until all the sides are complete.

Top stitch onto the bias tape on all of the sides, as before. Fold the case in half and press a crease marking the centre of the needle case.

Step 5 – Finishing Touches

Put all your needles in the case and close.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed making this needle case it was quite straight forward. I has some difficulty with attaching the bias tape as one long piece instead of using smaller strips like I did like which I used making the Sewing Machine Cover. While I was making this cover I was given some advice from The Sewing Forum on how to attach bias tape and put it into practise making this needle case.

Have you made a needle case, was it an easy beginners project? I would love to hear your views in the comments section.